Manchester United 'fail with Facundo Pellistri, Morten Hjulmand swap offer'

Manchester United have reportedly had a swap deal involving Facundo Pellistri and Sporting Lisbon's Morten Hjulmand turned down by the Portuguese giants.

Hjulmand, 24, joined Sporting from Lecce last summer, and the midfielder has been in strong form for the Green and Whites this term, featuring 23 times, scoring once and contributing two assists.

Man United are said to be huge admirers of the Denmark international, who is close friends with current Red Devils midfielder Christian Eriksen.

According to The Sun, the 20-time English champions offered Pellistri to Sporting in exchange for Hjulmand, but the Portuguese team made it clear that his release clause of £69m would need to be triggered.

The report claims that Man United have scouted the midfielder at least six times this season, watching him compete in the Primeira Liga and Europa League.

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Southampton have previously been linked with the Dane, but it is understood that the strongest interest is currently arriving from Old Trafford.

Hjulmand came through the youth system at Copenhagen before moving to Admira Wacker in 2018, representing the club on 74 occasions ahead of a switch to Lecce.

The midfielder featured 95 times for the Italian side before moving to Sporting in August 2023, penning a five-year contract with the Portuguese outfit.

Hjulmand has also been capped on three occasions by Denmark and is said to have a strong relationship with Eriksen, who has been with Man United since the summer of 2022.

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Pellistri's future is also currently the subject of much speculation, with a number of clubs believed to be keen to sign the 22-year-old before the end of the January market.

The Uruguay international has featured on 14 occasions during the 2023-24 campaign, but he has only managed to contribute one assist for the club.

Amad Diallo's return from injury has allegedly pushed the forward down the pecking order, and he is seemingly now surplus to requirements under head coach Erik ten Hag.

Pellistri has been linked with a loan switch to PSV Eindhoven, while it is understood that Villarreal are looking to sign him on a permanent basis.

Man United have already allowed Donny van de Beek to join Eintracht Frankfurt on loan this month, while Jadon Sancho is on the verge of securing a return to Borussia Dortmund on loan.